WHAT IS TENS?Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), designed for symptomatic relief and management of chronic intractable pain, TENS is a non-invasive drug-free method of pain management. ""Transcutaneous"" means across the skin. It relieves pain by sending tiny electrical impulses through electrodes placed on or near the area of pain or pressure point to underlying nerve fibers. You can set the TENS machine for different wavelength frequencies, such as a steady flow or a burst of electrical current, and for intensity of electrical current. Your physical therapist or doctor usually determines these settings. After you receive an introduction to and instruction in this therapy, you can do TENS at home. Our TENS units are compact, battery-powered devices about the size of a pocket radio.

HOW DOES TENS WORK?The theory of TENS suggests that there are two pain-relieving mechanisms. When TENS delivers steady mild electrical current, some people experience less pain. The electricity from the electrodes stimulate the nerves in an affected area and may block the pain signal traveling to the brain. If the pain signal does not get through to the brain, the pain is not perceived. This theory is often referred to as the 'gate control' theory. Another theory is that the electrical stimulation of the nerves may help the body's own natural pain control mechanism. Low frequency electrical current may cause the body to release the pain killing substances, called 'endorphins'. No matter what pain theory is used, TENS has been proven useful in the field of pain management. Many people feel an immediate benefit from TENS. However a minority may only achieve benefit after repeated treatment sessions over an extended period of time.

INDICATIONS FOR USE:TENS is used in symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, post-traumatic and post-surgical pain. EMS is intended to be used in: Relaxation of Muscle Spasm. Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy. Increase local blood circulation. Muscle re-education. Immediate post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis. Maintaining or increasing range of motion.

PRECAUTIONS:1. The safety of TENS and EMS devices for use during pregnancy or birth has not been established. 2. Caution should be taken for patients with suspected or diagnosed heart problems. 3. Caution should be taken for patients with suspected or diagnosed epilepsy.

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